3 Motorhome Classes: The Difference Between Class A, B, & C RVs
By Kelly Beasley
Last Updated: March 21, 2023
Isn't it a bummer that learning about motorhome classes isn't easier??
(Thank you, long ago anonymous person that decided to name an RV type by using the ABCs. Eye roll.)
There's just no easy way to remember which is which. (It wasn't for me, anyway.)
Class A Motorhome
If you come up with some easy way for people to remember which is which, PLEASE tell us in the comments section below!
Below we will explain the difference between RV classes. Specifically, we will be answering the question, "What are the different classes of motorhomes?"
The Three Motorhome Classes
Anyway, here's the deal. There are three motorhome classifications:
- Class A
- Class B
- Class C
The categorizing into a 'class' ONLY applies to a recreational vehicle with an engine. Therefore, RV classes only apply to motorhomes.
(Yes, there are subcategories now, the 'B+' and the 'Super C.')
None of the other classes of RV specify the actual type by using the word 'class.'
The other types are called just what they are. A travel trailer is called a travel trailer. A fifth wheel is called a fifth wheel, etc. They aren't categorized by 'class.'
Only MOTORHOMES are classified.
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The difference between Class A, B, and C motorhomes include external appearances, the chassis used, maneuverability, cargo capacities, and more.
Let's figure out the RV class differences and teach you a thing or two!
Don't forget rule number one: ONLY motorhomes fall into these class categories. Pull-behind campers do not.
The only recreational vehicles that are 'classified' are motorhomes - campers that you can drive.
If an RV is 'classified' or has a 'class,' it has a built-in engine.
Again, there are ONLY three motorhome classifications: Class A, B, and C.
Now, let's go over the difference between Class A, B, and C RVs.
Ultimate Guide To RV Types
Confused about the different types of RVs? Read our guide that explains the differences between the various RV styles.
Identify Classes Of Motorhomes By Shape
Let's talk about the different motorhome classes because visually, the SHAPE IS how you can most easily identify a unique motorhome's class.
Sure, the structural bits about each also define RV classes, which we will go into later.
But first, let's simplify it by identifying a motorhome class upon looks alone.
Let's objectify these suckers! Motorhome classes explained simply:
- A = Big rectangle on wheels
- B = A van
- C = Motorhome with a sleeping space that extends over the driver's cab
Class A Motorhome - 'Box On Wheels'
The unforgettable TV show Breaking Bad... that was a Class A motorhome. Walter used it as a rolling meth lab at the beginning of the memorable binge-worthy series. (Fun fact- in season 3, Walter calls the RV a Class C, which is incorrect.)
It was an old one, and it had a sloping windshield instead of the more popular/identifiable vertical type.
Regardless, it was a box on wheels.
Also, the movie RV with Robin Williams. That was a Class A as well but with the more common flat/vertical front.
Even Cousin Eddie's RV in the classic movie 'Christmas Vacation'- that was also a Class A, albeit a very unique looking one!
These Three Famous RVs Were Versions Of a Class A Like This One
The Class A motorhome is likely what you picture when you think 'RV.'
They are the least aerodynamic thing invented for travel, possibly ever. Motorhome sizes range from 25-45 feet long, with little to no aerodynamic shape.
These units start as a bare chassis. Usually, they are made beginning with Ford (Gas engines) or Freightliner (Diesel engines) chassis. Then the motorhome manufacturers will build the living quarters box and its contents on top.
Size can be an issue with these models (They're big). Trips can cost a lot due to the high cost of the RV itself, larger/more expensive campground spots, and fuel costs due to poor gas mileage. Class A motorhomes have the worst fuel economy between RV Class A, B, & C, whether gas or diesel.
Class A motorhomes are the largest and most expensive RVs in the bunch
Some advantages are that they offer the most luxuries for the best family vacation experience money can buy. This class is frequently the top choice for people looking for the best RV to live in year round.
Class A motorhomes are typically huge, so they are challenging to maneuver. Because of their design and being built on what is essentially a commercial bus chassis, basement storage space is usually ample.
Amenities
The Class A motorhome comes equipped with a master bedroom, living area, toilet, shower, full kitchen, and sometimes even two bath area toilets and even a washer and dryer.
Space is often BIG in these monsters, and you may have up to 5 TVs in one unit. They can get as crazy as you can imagine, for that matter.
Larger ones have up to four RV slide-outs, which expand the living area.
If you can imagine it, you can probably find it in the most decked-out Class A RVs.
Cost
The price tag for the Class A motorhome lifestyle is high as they are usually full of luxury and many comforts. You can pay just under $100,000 to well over $1,000,000 for this class of motorhome.
Summary:
- Largest of the three classes
- Shaped like a box/rectangle
- Often the priciest
- Length: Around 28 to 45 feet
Class B Motorhome - 'Camper Van'
Scooby-Dooby-Doo!!! Yeah, the Mystery Machine was a Class B motorhome. It was a van.
The Mystery Machine should help you get the gist of what a Class B RV looks like compared to the A or the C. Everyone knows what the Mystery Machine looks like!
Simply put, Class B motorhomes are vans made into a camper.
Class B Van
The Class B motorhome is usually far smaller than a Class A and can get better gas mileage.
These vehicles are usually small, but not always. They range around 19 to 27 feet long.
Class B motorhomes are the smallest, but they certainly aren't much (or any) cheaper than a Class A or C.
This class of motorhome either starts its life in one of two ways:
- A shell of a complete cargo van, usually a Sprinter, Ram, or Ford Transit. (regular Class B motorhome, like the one pictured above.)
- OR, they (the Class B+) start as just the cutaway chassis of one of those vans. This means they start with the front end of the cab (driver area) with only the chassis attached. The 'butt' of the vehicle is open/empty. The builder then constructs the living space on top of the chassis. (Class B+ motorhome)
Sprinter Class B+ Cutaway Chassis
These camper vans typically have all the accommodations necessary for a fun, complete camping trip.
What's a B+?
The newer termed 'B+' van is a motorhome that started life on a bare van chassis. Then the manufacturer builds the living area 'box' on top of that.
They are usually larger and wider than a traditional B because there is no already built van body to constrain them.
TECHNICALLY, the B+ is a Class C camper but doesn't have the sleeping area over the driver compartment like a Class C does.
Amenities
Amenities usually include the typical household needs- a refrigerator, a sleeping space, sink, bathroom, and a cooktop.
You can find everything in larger campers here, just in a smaller space.
It may lack a permanent dining area due to the smaller size.
These campervans can journey just about anywhere. Travelers easily cross the country in a Class B van while fitting in smaller spaces than their larger cousins. This class of RV is sought after for these reasons.
Cost
Class B motorhomes are usually pretty compact, so they are better with fuel efficiency. However, they are still very pricey, so they are not for tiny budgets. Costs range from under $100,000 to the high $200,000's and more.
Summary:
- A van that has been converted into a camper
- Smallest of the classes
- Best gas mileage
- Usually pretty complete in amenities
- Length: Around 19 to 22 feet
Class B vs Class C RV
What is the difference between a Class B and Class C motorhome? There are two main differences: Size and construction methods.
The Class B is a camper van that starts life as a bare commercial van shell with living quarters installed inside the existing four walls.
Class C RVs are a blank canvas, starting life with only the driver compartment and bare chassis behind. A complete (walls, roof, and floor) living structure is built upon this.
Class C
Class B
Where does a B+ fit into the picture? What is the difference between a Class B+ and a Class C?
Getting down to the nitty-gritty, Class B+ RV doesn't exist, and it's a marketing term.
There is no official B+ class of RV - just B.
The Class B+ motorhome designation was invented by a manufacturer that wanted to differentiate its product from Class C's.
And it makes sense. Allow me to explain.
Technically, Class B+ and Class C are the same things in that they both start life as a cutaway van chassis and then have the living quarters built behind the driver's compartment.
Both these RV styles have a section of the living quarters that extends over the driver's cab (called a cab-over).
The difference is that a Class C cab-over is large enough, and built to, have a sleeping area.
The Class B+ has a much smaller cab-over, and it's much more streamlined. It isn't designed to sleep in.
Class C (Large Cab-Over)
Class B+ (Minimal Cab-Over)
Instead, it's used as a storage area or entertainment cabinet (or both).
Length plays a factor in the difference between Class B vs Class C RV (or B+ vs. C).
The B+ is the longer of the B's but usually is not over 25 feet long as it is built on a chassis that doesn't support long, heavy bodies.
Class C's are typically built on the Ford E-Series full-size van platform, which allows them to be heavier and longer, up to 36 feet. Though you can get a small Class C RV that is well under 30 feet long.
Class C Motorhome - 'Van Chassis'
I can't think of a single famous Class C motorhome. However, this is the typical type you see advertised as a rental.
There's a good reason for that. (More living space than a Class B RV, easier to drive than a Class A.)
Class C Motorhome With a Cabover Sleeping Area
The Class C motorhome is USUALLY sized in between a B and an A. It isn't very clear, yes. As you can see, there's no logic in the letters that name the RV classes A B C.
The identifying exterior style of this motorhome size is TYPICALLY the sleeping/storage area over the driver's cab.
BUT, what classifies an RV to be a Class C is that they build it on top of a van cutaway chassis (essentially a commercial truck chassis with the rear removed).
Then the manufacturer builds the living quarters onto it.
Class C motorhomes begin life as a bare van chassis
This Is What Every Class C Starts Out Looking Like
Gas mileage varies per model but expect to get something between the A and the B.
With more beds that increase the sleeping options, families with children often go for these Class C RVs.
Amenities
Expect to find all of the primary living necessities in a Class C RV.
They sport a kitchen, usually a permanent dining area, closet space, decent cargo capacity, a refrigerator, bathroom, and often more than one sleeping area.
Because they offer an excellent combination of living space, amenities, the ability to go most places, and relative affordability, the Class C is a popular choice for motorized campers.
Cost
Class C motorhomes range anywhere between the cost of a B or an A and can vary wildly. It depends on how large you go and what level of comforts and luxury interior you want.
A basic model can be had for close to $100,000, while a more luxurious version will set you back over $300,000.
What's A Super C?
The Super C is a Class C RV that started on not a van chassis but on a medium-duty truck cutaway chassis (typically a Freightliner). Their front end looks like that of a semi.
Sometimes smaller ones use a heavy-duty truck chassis (such as a Ford Heavy Duty).
They are bigger and longer than a regular C. We like to say that they are a Class C 'on steroids.'
Summary:
- Starts life as a van cutaway chassis
- Often identified by the area over the cab
- Sized in between most A's and B's
- Price: still expensive but more affordable than most Class A's
- Length: approximately 24 to 36 feet
Class A vs Class C Motorhome
Class A and Class C RVs are most similar in style among the three different motorhome types.
So what is the difference between Class A and Class C RV?
The major difference between a Class C RV and a Class A RV is the rig's front end.
The rear (living area) is constructed very similarly and has the same furnishings and amenities.
Class A
Class C
Because a Class C is based on a cutaway chassis, it has a full-frontal structure (just as a van or truck would).
This means that it will do much better in a crash than a Class A motorhome, which has no substantial front structure.
Or consider a roll-over accident - in a Class A RV, you have a puny wall and roof, whereas a Class C has a complete automotive structure around you in the cab area.
Conclusion
When trying to tell apart the different class motorhomes, you can usually make a visual identification rather quickly once you understand the difference in RV classes.
Only motorhomes (RVs with engines built-in) are 'classed.'
- Class A's are the largest and offer the most storage.
- Class B's are vans. They are typically the smallest motorhomes and are built inside a regular cargo van.
- Class C's are built on a bare van chassis, and they usually have storage or a sleeping area over the driver's cab.
- Class B+ is technically a Class C but doesn't have the over-cab sleeping area. B+ vans are built on a bare van chassis but are often larger than regular vans.
- Super C's are Class C vans built onto a medium or heavy-duty bare chassis such as Ford or Freightliner. They are Class C's on steroids.
Look At That Cabover Above The Driver Area! It's a Class C Motorhome.
Identifying them is sometimes tricky, but with a bit of experience, they are mostly all identifiable by their shape and size.
I hope this helped you to understand what are the classes of motorhomes!
Once again, if you have a clever way for others to learn, which is an A, B, or C, please sound off in the comments!
Author: Kelly Beasley
As a seasoned and passionate RVing expert, I have dedicated myself to living the full-time RV life for over 5.5 years, immersing myself in the unique quirks and joys of the boondocking lifestyle and gaining a wealth of knowledge and experience along the way. In December 2020, my business partner and I made the transition to part-time RVing, but in January 2023, we hit the road once again, this time in our trusty vans. My mission is to help others embrace the RVing lifestyle with confidence and excitement, armed with the knowledge and resources needed to make the most of their adventures. I believe that the more you know, the more you can truly appreciate and enjoy the freedom and flexibility of the open road. Join me on this journey and let's make some unforgettable memories.
Thank you. Good job of clarification!
Hi Jan,
You’re most welcome! That’s why we do what we do. Hoping to make things easy for you!
Kelly,
I am brand new to the RV market. I am thinking of a 24-25 length Class B.
1. What would you consider the most luxurious of the Class B’s.
2. Is there anyway to configure a small washer/dryer and if so what would you take out?
3. What’s resale like?
4. Do you have thoughts on the difficulty of setting up the poptops, ie. is a timely or difficult process?
5. I am considering renting first if that makes sense?
Thank you, Brad in Tampa
Hi Brad,
Welcome to the wonderful world of shopping for RVs! It’s a bit overwhelming when you first start looking. Let me see if I can help any.
1. Check out our post on the best RV manufacturers and look at the Class B section. Then see what each offers. I’d consider some of those manufacturers to put out some really nice units. Luxury is subjective, but this is a great place to start looking!
2. I’ve never seen a washer/dryer in a small motorhome. These are found in large Class A rigs that have room to spare. No way you are going to have room in a low to mid-20 foot rig. Plus you’d have to find a way to plumb it in, which could be next to impossible. And then you have to think about fresh water and holding tank sizes. Smaller rigs tend to have smaller sized holding tanks – not enough capacity to be washing clothes. You will need to embrace the laundromat while on the road. It’s just a fact of the RV lifestyle!
3. Resale… Start with the best built brand (see the list in #1 above) and go from there. Buy used if you can to minimize the initial depreciation hit. If you have to have new, negotiate the best deal you can and then understand that if you try to sell in the first few years you are going to take a hit. But the rule of thumb is that the better brands will have better resale value, but RVs can depreciate like crazy depending on how the general market is. Right now values aren’t holding up as well as they were early on in the pandemic. Values will fluctuate depending on what the economy is doing, how many people what your particular brand/floor plan, and a bit of what the phase of the moon is doing (OK, just kidding on that last one, maybe).
4) Pop-ups? As in getting a Class B with a pop-up roof? You won’t find those on what I’d consider a luxury brand, but they are definitely available. In fact the Winnebago Solis Class B that I recently purchased comes standard with one (though I opted to get one without it). My rig doesn’t ooze luxury, but suits me just fine. I’ve never dealt with a pop-up roof, but my understanding is that they are easy to deal with, but are a potential source of trouble down the road (canvas sides can tear/leak with relative ease, plus you are putting a large hole in the van’s roof – never a good thing).
5) Yes, rent first! An RV can be a HUGE financial commitment, especially if it turns out you hate the lifestyle and need to get rid of your rig soon after purchasing it. Rent until you are convinced this is the right lifestyle choice for you, at which time you can consider pulling the trigger on a purchase.
Thanks for checking out Camp Addict and the best of luck in your RV search!
Here’s a possible way to remember:
Class A: If anything is “class A” that means the fanciest shmanciest or most luxurious.
Class B: Behind the cab/driver (living/sleeping is all Behind the driver)
Class C: Cab top – some of the RV is on top of the cab.
Thank you, Ray! Helps our readers. : )
Thanks for putting together this great site! We’re looking for a Class C with bunk beds (based on our family size) and after reading through the manufacturer ratings, really like the Entegra Esteem 31f. We also like the idea of finding a rig that is 2-3 years old to get through the initial issues from the factory, but it looks like this is a newer model. Do you have any suggestions for something similar that we could find used from one of your recommended manufacturers?
Hey John,
I like your thinking about getting a rig a couple/few years old!
Entegra is definitely one of the best RV brands so worth looking at.
I wouldn’t know about specific floor plans that are similar without spending a lot of time going through each manufacturer’s website/marketing materials. I just don’t currently have a spreadsheet (or the such) with all the floor plans on it.
Yeah, that’s the ‘joy’ of shopping for a used rig. Floor plans come and go.
Probably the best bet would be to go into the brochure archives for the RV manufacturers you are interested in and download prior year brochures to see if there is a floor plan that might work.
Best of luck in your search for the ‘good enough’ rig!